meme i got over at shakespeare's sister.
it's an A B C deal:
accent: pure pittsburgese
booze: don't drink much but i am fond
of white russians or captain and diet coke
sometimes just to surprise people
(because it always does) i will do a
shot of yukon jack or eat the worm from a tequila bottle!
chore i hate: floors! i love laundry and am a good cook
(thanks to my gram and my pop pop, Italian you know!)
dog or cat: i've had just about every pet imaginable
at one time or another. i love animals. right now, i have bob.
essential electronics: my computer
favorite cologne: dream angels heavenly. victoria's secret!
gold or silver: yellow gold
hometown: aspinwall/pittsburgh
insomnia: you betcha!
job title: unpaid poet/ artisan brickmaker
kids: daughter
living arrangements: 1950's brick ranch
most admirable trait: kindness, empathy
number of sexual partners: the sexual revolution missed me!
(did have a goodly number of boyfriends tho!)
overnight hospital stays: yeah, , oh yeah!
phobias: this is a toughy, yes. driving anywhere unfamiliar
or in traffic. i have tried many things including hypnosis,
nope. it is a real embarrassment and very limiting!
quote: too many to list!
religion: eclectic
siblings: younger sister
time i wake up: i'm awake at 4 up at 7
unless i'm already up and wandering.
unusual talent or skill: i have a few
(1 thing, i can kill watches by wearing them
for a few days in a row)
vegetable i love: most all except lima beans!
worst habit: negative thinking
x-rays: i should glow in the dark by now!
yummy foods i make: just about anything you'd want
zodiac sign: capricorn
Friday, April 28, 2006
why did the chicken cross the road????
Isaac Newton 's Answer:
The duck suggested to the chicken that they play follow the leader then the duck crossed the road causing the chicken to cross after it, but at the same time holding up traffic, thus proving that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction .
Isaac Newton 's Answer:
The duck suggested to the chicken that they play follow the leader then the duck crossed the road causing the chicken to cross after it, but at the same time holding up traffic, thus proving that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction .
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Chapter 77
The Tao of heaven is like the bending of a bow.The high is lowered, and the low is raised.If the string is too long, it is shortened;If there is not enough, it is made longer.The Tao of heaven is to take from those who have too much and give to those who do not have enough.Man's way is different.He takes from those who do not have enough to give to those who already have too much.What man has more than enough and gives it to the world?Only the man of Tao.Therefore the sage works without recognition.He achieves what has to be done without dwelling on it.He does not try to show his knowledge.
The Tao of heaven is like the bending of a bow.The high is lowered, and the low is raised.If the string is too long, it is shortened;If there is not enough, it is made longer.The Tao of heaven is to take from those who have too much and give to those who do not have enough.Man's way is different.He takes from those who do not have enough to give to those who already have too much.What man has more than enough and gives it to the world?Only the man of Tao.Therefore the sage works without recognition.He achieves what has to be done without dwelling on it.He does not try to show his knowledge.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
i think this is a site worthy of some reading.
there is also a blog for the site.
it's good to see what some dedication to righting
wrongs can achieve. s
good for you, point park university.
my hat's off to them.
http://wrongfulconvictions.blogspot.com/
http://www.pointpark.edu/default.aspx?id=902
there is also a blog for the site.
it's good to see what some dedication to righting
wrongs can achieve. s
good for you, point park university.
my hat's off to them.
http://wrongfulconvictions.blogspot.com/
http://www.pointpark.edu/default.aspx?id=902
blogthingy's
cause i'm taking a break from my first
real editing attempt. i'm really excited to have the chance,
but i want to do it the best i can and so,
i'm taking breaks and clearing my mind(ho, ho) so...
blogthings (you KNOW you want 'em!)
YOUR QUIRK FACTOR: 57%
you're a pretty quirky person
but you are just normal enough to hide it.
congratulations-you've fooled other people
into thinking you're just like them!
nah, i doubt anyone that really knows me thinks
that i'm just like them! s
cause i'm taking a break from my first
real editing attempt. i'm really excited to have the chance,
but i want to do it the best i can and so,
i'm taking breaks and clearing my mind(ho, ho) so...
blogthings (you KNOW you want 'em!)
YOUR QUIRK FACTOR: 57%
you're a pretty quirky person
but you are just normal enough to hide it.
congratulations-you've fooled other people
into thinking you're just like them!
nah, i doubt anyone that really knows me thinks
that i'm just like them! s
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
hi, check out this blog. it's got some truly good things
i think you'll be pleased. s
http://poetryandpoetsinrags.blogspot.com
i think you'll be pleased. s
http://poetryandpoetsinrags.blogspot.com
All you do is answer yes or no with no explainations.
got this from scanning the pgh webbloggers ,
tho i did have some. s
Taken a picture naked? : no
Made out with a member of the same sex? :no
Danced in front of your mirror? : Yes
Told a lie? : Yes
Gotten in a car with people you just met?: Yes
Been in a fist fight? : Yes
Had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back? : Yes
Been arrested? : No
Slept in a bed with a member of the same sex? : Yes
Seen someone die? : almost
Kissed a picture? : Yes
Slept in until 3? : no
Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by? : Yes
Played dress up? : Yes
Fallen asleep at work? : no
Had sex at work? : No
Felt an earthquake? : yes
Touched a snake? : yes
Ran a red light? : almost
Been in a car accident? : Yes
Pole danced? : no
Been lost? : Yes
Sang karaoke? : only as backround
Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t? : Yes
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? : no
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? : Yes
Kissed in the rain? : Yes
Sang in the shower? : no
Got your tongue stuck to a pole? : No
Sat on a roof top? : no
Played chicken? : no
Raised chickens? : No
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? : yes
Been told you’re hot by a complete stranger? : Yes
Broken a bone? : Yes
Mooned/flashed someone? : no
Forgotten someone’s name? : Yes
Slept naked? : Yes
Blacked out from drinking? : no
Played a prank on someone? : Yes
Felt like killing someone? : Yes
Made a parent cry? : yes
Cried over someone? : Yes
Had sex more than 5 times in one day? : no
Had/Have a dog? : Yes
Been in a band? : No
Drank 25 sodas in a day? :no
Shot a gun? : yes
got this from scanning the pgh webbloggers ,
tho i did have some. s
Taken a picture naked? : no
Made out with a member of the same sex? :no
Danced in front of your mirror? : Yes
Told a lie? : Yes
Gotten in a car with people you just met?: Yes
Been in a fist fight? : Yes
Had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back? : Yes
Been arrested? : No
Slept in a bed with a member of the same sex? : Yes
Seen someone die? : almost
Kissed a picture? : Yes
Slept in until 3? : no
Laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by? : Yes
Played dress up? : Yes
Fallen asleep at work? : no
Had sex at work? : No
Felt an earthquake? : yes
Touched a snake? : yes
Ran a red light? : almost
Been in a car accident? : Yes
Pole danced? : no
Been lost? : Yes
Sang karaoke? : only as backround
Done something you told yourself you wouldn’t? : Yes
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? : no
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? : Yes
Kissed in the rain? : Yes
Sang in the shower? : no
Got your tongue stuck to a pole? : No
Sat on a roof top? : no
Played chicken? : no
Raised chickens? : No
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on? : yes
Been told you’re hot by a complete stranger? : Yes
Broken a bone? : Yes
Mooned/flashed someone? : no
Forgotten someone’s name? : Yes
Slept naked? : Yes
Blacked out from drinking? : no
Played a prank on someone? : Yes
Felt like killing someone? : Yes
Made a parent cry? : yes
Cried over someone? : Yes
Had sex more than 5 times in one day? : no
Had/Have a dog? : Yes
Been in a band? : No
Drank 25 sodas in a day? :no
Shot a gun? : yes
Monday, April 24, 2006
Any force that tries to make you feel shame for being who you are, and loving who you love, is a form of tyranny over your mind. And it must be rejected, resisted, and defeated.--
Al Gore, speaking at the Human Rights Campaign Gala on March 25, 2006, at the Century Plaza Hotel.
got this from shakespeare's sister who got it from pam's house blend and i
was just so blown away by the wonderful way this was put, the truth of it
i just had to post it on my blog! al rocks!!!!
true love is a rare and precious gift and life is hard.
if you are lucky enough to find love take it and treasure it
and defend it! and know... s
Al Gore, speaking at the Human Rights Campaign Gala on March 25, 2006, at the Century Plaza Hotel.
got this from shakespeare's sister who got it from pam's house blend and i
was just so blown away by the wonderful way this was put, the truth of it
i just had to post it on my blog! al rocks!!!!
true love is a rare and precious gift and life is hard.
if you are lucky enough to find love take it and treasure it
and defend it! and know... s
Sunday, April 23, 2006
this was a challenge poem
for my workgroup. it's
based on a goya painting.
may third 1880
shootings
i feel my arms raised
why. why?
it is as if i am standing just
beyond my own reach
it is all sound and no sound
i can see my eyes reflected
in the drop of sweat that runs
down my killer's cheek
my eyes but yet not
for i am already gone
just beyond my reach.
this a a manet poster. we had a challenge
awhile ago in my workgroup to come up with
a poem to go along with the poster.
the hardest part for me was coming up with a
a title i really liked. i finally settled on a quote as
a title. it's almost as long as the poem.
here it is.
"love takes off masks we fear we can not live without." james baldwin
only a little while longer love
and we can go, quit this place.
i can peel away
this mask of indifference
before the cracks begin at
the corners of my mouth
betraying us with a smile.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
just a small opinion/rant here.
alcohol is a drug. i wish some people would remember that fact.
it's a drug and as with any drug, there are people that can not
tolerate certain types of alcohol or certain amounts.
it alters their personalities just as any other drug might.
that's fine if , a. you aren't driving, that's a given or
b. your personality doesn't change in an annoying or upsetting or
dangerous way.
life is short and generally hard.
go, have fun, relax, enjoy the good company and conversation.
but if alcohol changes your basic personality or lets you
lose control , grow the proverbial "beer muscles" or
say hurtful, nasty things for no reason other than imagined slights
then perhaps it's time to rethink the game plan.
yeah everybody has been silly or horny or
cranky or such when out having a little fun and a few drinks,
and we all will be , every now and again. but man ,some nights
it's hard to watch the things that go on for no good reason.
me, i can't throw stones and i never would. i just want people
to realize how their actions affect others. thanks, s.
alcohol is a drug. i wish some people would remember that fact.
it's a drug and as with any drug, there are people that can not
tolerate certain types of alcohol or certain amounts.
it alters their personalities just as any other drug might.
that's fine if , a. you aren't driving, that's a given or
b. your personality doesn't change in an annoying or upsetting or
dangerous way.
life is short and generally hard.
go, have fun, relax, enjoy the good company and conversation.
but if alcohol changes your basic personality or lets you
lose control , grow the proverbial "beer muscles" or
say hurtful, nasty things for no reason other than imagined slights
then perhaps it's time to rethink the game plan.
yeah everybody has been silly or horny or
cranky or such when out having a little fun and a few drinks,
and we all will be , every now and again. but man ,some nights
it's hard to watch the things that go on for no good reason.
me, i can't throw stones and i never would. i just want people
to realize how their actions affect others. thanks, s.
Friday, April 21, 2006
about that chicken crossing the road...
Howard Cosell : It may very well have been one of the most astonishing events to grace the annals of history. An historic, unprecedented avian biped with the temerity to attempt such an Herculean achievement formerly relegated to homo- sapien pedestrians is truly a remarkable occurrence.
i miss howard! s
Howard Cosell : It may very well have been one of the most astonishing events to grace the annals of history. An historic, unprecedented avian biped with the temerity to attempt such an Herculean achievement formerly relegated to homo- sapien pedestrians is truly a remarkable occurrence.
i miss howard! s
Thursday, April 20, 2006
we've started another discussion in my group
about forms and such. i really like some forms.
i've mentioned before about my admiration of
haiku. i am in awe of them. they are akin
in my thoughts to fine silks. my hands,
so to speak, are rough and would snag and
ruin them so i would much rather enjoy them
from a master's pen. some enjoy the effort, the
challenge. i do not. just as some love crossword puzzles
i left those years ago. in my eyes(and i admit, i am odd
i know, oh i know)
they look like the mazes mice
are put through.
i want emotions, in your face feelings
those can be unintentionally softened
by a strict adherence to a form. there are times
i can't
jettison a word or line to fit someone's rules.
that doesn't mean i don't like the rules
or that they aren't there for a reason, just that
i never could see being put in a box, labeled.
i've had too many labels in my life, tried too hard
to live by the rules and whims of others, always looking
over my shoulder, afraid.
there are many different art forms, types of music
ways to prepare food, dance whatever it might be.
some i like, some i don't. i can see the poetry in things
that were not even thought of when i was young.
the slams and such. my english teachers would have
had strokes or worse had they sat and watched and listened
tho some, i think might have embraced it and the poet on stage!
i am not much for rap, but i recognize it's music,
the flow, yes, the poetry of it.
i am not much for certain types of food and i can't
enjoy the taste of food on a plate that is so artistically
presented that i can't put my fork and knife to it
without feeling as if i am taking a hammer to
the pieta. yes, somewhat of an overstatement,just me, i suppose.
i like paintings and sculpture to be realistic most times, but not always.
no, not always.
one of the most beautiful and perfect, PERFECT, things
i've ever seen( except, my newborn daughter's face)
was the real pieta at the 1964 world's fair in new york.
i can STILL see it if i close my eyes. that was many years ago
i was a child, but i saw perfection and it both haunts me and soothes me.
perfect is rare and perfect can be perfect hell to live with, to live up to.
just as in dance, there is barisnikov and then, there is me, with
my lack of coordination and awkward style, but the joy i feel as i move
to "old time rock and roll" or " when a man loves a woman"
is mine as barisnikov's was his. worlds apart, but joy is like
the arts, filtered through our life experiences. it is joy.
who can tell me that my joy is not as valid?
so if you want to write, write, sing, sing, dance , cook, paint
just go full tilt boogie. you know what they say
(and with all due respect) "to each, their own"
go make something your own, before it's too late.
my rant, s
about forms and such. i really like some forms.
i've mentioned before about my admiration of
haiku. i am in awe of them. they are akin
in my thoughts to fine silks. my hands,
so to speak, are rough and would snag and
ruin them so i would much rather enjoy them
from a master's pen. some enjoy the effort, the
challenge. i do not. just as some love crossword puzzles
i left those years ago. in my eyes(and i admit, i am odd
i know, oh i know)
they look like the mazes mice
are put through.
i want emotions, in your face feelings
those can be unintentionally softened
by a strict adherence to a form. there are times
i can't
jettison a word or line to fit someone's rules.
that doesn't mean i don't like the rules
or that they aren't there for a reason, just that
i never could see being put in a box, labeled.
i've had too many labels in my life, tried too hard
to live by the rules and whims of others, always looking
over my shoulder, afraid.
there are many different art forms, types of music
ways to prepare food, dance whatever it might be.
some i like, some i don't. i can see the poetry in things
that were not even thought of when i was young.
the slams and such. my english teachers would have
had strokes or worse had they sat and watched and listened
tho some, i think might have embraced it and the poet on stage!
i am not much for rap, but i recognize it's music,
the flow, yes, the poetry of it.
i am not much for certain types of food and i can't
enjoy the taste of food on a plate that is so artistically
presented that i can't put my fork and knife to it
without feeling as if i am taking a hammer to
the pieta. yes, somewhat of an overstatement,just me, i suppose.
i like paintings and sculpture to be realistic most times, but not always.
no, not always.
one of the most beautiful and perfect, PERFECT, things
i've ever seen( except, my newborn daughter's face)
was the real pieta at the 1964 world's fair in new york.
i can STILL see it if i close my eyes. that was many years ago
i was a child, but i saw perfection and it both haunts me and soothes me.
perfect is rare and perfect can be perfect hell to live with, to live up to.
just as in dance, there is barisnikov and then, there is me, with
my lack of coordination and awkward style, but the joy i feel as i move
to "old time rock and roll" or " when a man loves a woman"
is mine as barisnikov's was his. worlds apart, but joy is like
the arts, filtered through our life experiences. it is joy.
who can tell me that my joy is not as valid?
so if you want to write, write, sing, sing, dance , cook, paint
just go full tilt boogie. you know what they say
(and with all due respect) "to each, their own"
go make something your own, before it's too late.
my rant, s
blog thing,
just because i want to!
and i'm bored.
YOU ARE 56% OPEN MINDED
(okay by me)
you are a very open minded person
but you are also well grounded
tolerant and flexible
you appreciate most lifestyles
and view points (yes, indeedy)
but you also know where you stand firm
(on quicksand here???)
and you draw the line.
you're open to considering every possibility
(and worrying obsessively about it)
but in the end,
you stand true to yourself
(yeah, but is that a good thing
or a bad thing?????) s
just because i want to!
and i'm bored.
YOU ARE 56% OPEN MINDED
(okay by me)
you are a very open minded person
but you are also well grounded
tolerant and flexible
you appreciate most lifestyles
and view points (yes, indeedy)
but you also know where you stand firm
(on quicksand here???)
and you draw the line.
you're open to considering every possibility
(and worrying obsessively about it)
but in the end,
you stand true to yourself
(yeah, but is that a good thing
or a bad thing?????) s
survivors
those of us
few or many
survivors
the ones left alive
through shattered glass
twisted metal
broken childhoods
unanswered prayers
survivors few or many
who took their daily dose
of death to delay death's coming
and saw a child's
graduation or wedding
in our scars
those of us
many or few
who took bruises and humiliations
in our stride wonder why
us.
the lucky ones.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
realities
there is no you in
my day to day reality
no brown eyes or crooked smile
no warm scent or salt taste,
no touch
to my philosophy or creed.
the oak trees in my yard
have more substance
they move and rustle in the wind
they cast a shadow
and yet you are more constant
than the beat of my heart
the condition of my soul
there is no you in my reality, my days or nights
brown eyes and a crooked smile
comfort me yet neither cast shadows
there is no you in
my day to day reality
no brown eyes or crooked smile
no warm scent or salt taste,
no touch
to my philosophy or creed.
the oak trees in my yard
have more substance
they move and rustle in the wind
they cast a shadow
and yet you are more constant
than the beat of my heart
the condition of my soul
there is no you in my reality, my days or nights
brown eyes and a crooked smile
comfort me yet neither cast shadows
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
YES, BLOGTHINGS AGAIN.
You Are 20% Boyish and 80% Girlish
Even if you're not a girl, you're very feminine.You're in touch with your feelings, and your heart rules you.A bit of a emotional roller coaster, one moment you're up and the next you're down.But no matter what, you try to be as cute and perky as possible.
O.K. BY ME LOOK WHERE PERKY GOT KATIE COURIC!!!!! s
You Are 20% Boyish and 80% Girlish
Even if you're not a girl, you're very feminine.You're in touch with your feelings, and your heart rules you.A bit of a emotional roller coaster, one moment you're up and the next you're down.But no matter what, you try to be as cute and perky as possible.
O.K. BY ME LOOK WHERE PERKY GOT KATIE COURIC!!!!! s
"Nobody, I think, ought to read poetry, or look at pictures or statues, who cannot find a great deal more in them than the poet or artist has actually expressed"
Hawthorne, The Marble Faun
this is what i strive for with my poetry.
i want each reader to bring their own unique
life experience to them, making them their own.
i want to give emotions, feelings over forms. s
i got this over at http://lsqrd.blogspot.com/
LSquared Imaging and More...
go see the beautiful photographs.
my favorites are the black and white, especially the trees. s
Hawthorne, The Marble Faun
this is what i strive for with my poetry.
i want each reader to bring their own unique
life experience to them, making them their own.
i want to give emotions, feelings over forms. s
i got this over at http://lsqrd.blogspot.com/
LSquared Imaging and More...
go see the beautiful photographs.
my favorites are the black and white, especially the trees. s
Monday, April 17, 2006
got this in an e-mail from a friend. after about 7 or 8 tries i made it to 13 seconds
amazing for me, my eye hand coordination is not great! s
The object of the game is to move the red block around without getting hit by the blue blocks or touching the black walls.If you can go longer than 18 seconds you are phenomenal.It's been said that the US Air Force uses this for fighter pilots.They are expected to go for at least 2 minutes.
http://tinyurl.com/56t9u
amazing for me, my eye hand coordination is not great! s
The object of the game is to move the red block around without getting hit by the blue blocks or touching the black walls.If you can go longer than 18 seconds you are phenomenal.It's been said that the US Air Force uses this for fighter pilots.They are expected to go for at least 2 minutes.
http://tinyurl.com/56t9u
monday morning. beautiful morning here.
bob is getting back to normal. he was trying
to chase a tiny mouse here last night so i
had to go get him and shut him in my
computer room because he was really getting wound up
and i didn't want him to pop a stitch. he was unhappy
but after he settled down on my lap as i typed here,
he decided it was ok. s
bob is getting back to normal. he was trying
to chase a tiny mouse here last night so i
had to go get him and shut him in my
computer room because he was really getting wound up
and i didn't want him to pop a stitch. he was unhappy
but after he settled down on my lap as i typed here,
he decided it was ok. s
Saturday, April 15, 2006
i want to wish everyone a happy easter
and a blessed passover and just an allround
great sunday tomorrow.
i will be busy cooking frittata for the family, well
actually, i prepare everything and the men in the family "cook"
them. i say "them" because we cook mass quantities!
there is sweet italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon,
supprasatta, mozzarella, ricotta, basket cheese,scamorze and eggs in
my grandfather's calabrese recipe.
before my pop pop passed away, we used to make
our own sweet sausage.
when i was little one of my jobs was to untangle the casings
that were shriveled up
and packed in salt, soak them and then hook one end
over the mouth of
the sink faucet and run water through to rinse and open up each
long casing. there would always be one that had a
small invisible tear in it that would shoot the water out
sideways across the basement kitchen in my grandparent's home!
if i was lucky, the water jet would miss me as i stood on a stool at the sink!
ah memories!
and a blessed passover and just an allround
great sunday tomorrow.
i will be busy cooking frittata for the family, well
actually, i prepare everything and the men in the family "cook"
them. i say "them" because we cook mass quantities!
there is sweet italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon,
supprasatta, mozzarella, ricotta, basket cheese,scamorze and eggs in
my grandfather's calabrese recipe.
before my pop pop passed away, we used to make
our own sweet sausage.
when i was little one of my jobs was to untangle the casings
that were shriveled up
and packed in salt, soak them and then hook one end
over the mouth of
the sink faucet and run water through to rinse and open up each
long casing. there would always be one that had a
small invisible tear in it that would shoot the water out
sideways across the basement kitchen in my grandparent's home!
if i was lucky, the water jet would miss me as i stood on a stool at the sink!
ah memories!
Friday, April 14, 2006
i stumbled on this from www.washingtonpost.com
it's at the bottom of an article by richard morin
i was checking out a post on http://olfroth.blogspot.com
it's a favorite of mine. anyway THIS was the 2nd part of mr. morin's
column. damn, now everyone will know, ha! ; )
here it is!
Learning the Wrong Things From Poetry
Fill your house with books if you want little Billy or Beth to grow up to be an academic all-star. Shakespeare is good. But stay away from poetry -- books of poesy on your shelves may dumb down your child.
A research team headed by demographer Jonathan Kelley, of Brown University and the University of Melbourne, analyzed data from a study of scholastic ability in 43 countries, including the United States. The data included scores on a standardized achievement test in 2000 and detailed information that parents provided about the family. The average student scored 500 on this test.
The researchers found that a child from a family having 500 books at home scored, on average, 112 points higher on the achievement test than one from an otherwise identical family having only one book -- and that's after they factored in parents' education, occupation, income and other things typically associated with a child's academic performance. The findings were presented last month at the annual meeting of the Population Association of America in Los Angeles.
Of course, it's not the number of books in the home that boosts student performance -- it's what they represent. The researchers say a big home library reflects the parents' dedication to the life of the mind, which probably nurtures scholastic accomplishment in their offspring.
They also found that not all books are created equal. "Having Shakespeare or similar highbrow books about bodes well for children's achievement," they wrote. "Having poetry books around is actively harmful by about the same amount," perhaps because it signals a "Bohemian" lifestyle that may encourage kids to become guitar-strumming, poetry-reading dreamers.
yeah, we dreamers are a real threat and waste to society. sherry
it's at the bottom of an article by richard morin
i was checking out a post on http://olfroth.blogspot.com
it's a favorite of mine. anyway THIS was the 2nd part of mr. morin's
column. damn, now everyone will know, ha! ; )
here it is!
Learning the Wrong Things From Poetry
Fill your house with books if you want little Billy or Beth to grow up to be an academic all-star. Shakespeare is good. But stay away from poetry -- books of poesy on your shelves may dumb down your child.
A research team headed by demographer Jonathan Kelley, of Brown University and the University of Melbourne, analyzed data from a study of scholastic ability in 43 countries, including the United States. The data included scores on a standardized achievement test in 2000 and detailed information that parents provided about the family. The average student scored 500 on this test.
The researchers found that a child from a family having 500 books at home scored, on average, 112 points higher on the achievement test than one from an otherwise identical family having only one book -- and that's after they factored in parents' education, occupation, income and other things typically associated with a child's academic performance. The findings were presented last month at the annual meeting of the Population Association of America in Los Angeles.
Of course, it's not the number of books in the home that boosts student performance -- it's what they represent. The researchers say a big home library reflects the parents' dedication to the life of the mind, which probably nurtures scholastic accomplishment in their offspring.
They also found that not all books are created equal. "Having Shakespeare or similar highbrow books about bodes well for children's achievement," they wrote. "Having poetry books around is actively harmful by about the same amount," perhaps because it signals a "Bohemian" lifestyle that may encourage kids to become guitar-strumming, poetry-reading dreamers.
yeah, we dreamers are a real threat and waste to society. sherry
a little poem for the weekend. s
lips
i knew this guy
whenever a pretty girl
or ANY girl
would walk by him and his friends
they'd say
"hey, ya see the legs
( or ass or tits) on her!"
and he'd ALWAYS say
"nah, i can't never get past the mouth!"
and this was way before
clinton and that oral sex isn't sex crap.
yeah, i knew this guy
who couldn't get past the mouth
the lips, lips, oh those lips
but then again
i was this girl
that could never get past the mouth
whenever a pretty boy
or ANY boy
would walk past me and my friends...
lips
i knew this guy
whenever a pretty girl
or ANY girl
would walk by him and his friends
they'd say
"hey, ya see the legs
( or ass or tits) on her!"
and he'd ALWAYS say
"nah, i can't never get past the mouth!"
and this was way before
clinton and that oral sex isn't sex crap.
yeah, i knew this guy
who couldn't get past the mouth
the lips, lips, oh those lips
but then again
i was this girl
that could never get past the mouth
whenever a pretty boy
or ANY boy
would walk past me and my friends...
http://shakespearessister.blogspot.com/
i was going to write a little post on the passing
of the rev. william sloane coffin, but shakespeare's sister
has a great one on their blog. i say go on over and read. thanks, s
i was going to write a little post on the passing
of the rev. william sloane coffin, but shakespeare's sister
has a great one on their blog. i say go on over and read. thanks, s
bob is home!
poor little guy cried all the way home, but now
he is here and wandering around my computer room
checking to see if everything's the same.
had to put a litter pan and his food in here so
he doesn't go running down the stairs to his litter pan
in the laundry room. i have his food and water here as well.
supposed to try and keep him fairly inactive for the next few days. ha!
he's already leaping up on things!(altho gingerly)
me, i'm happy, bob, i think is happy, so...
poor little guy cried all the way home, but now
he is here and wandering around my computer room
checking to see if everything's the same.
had to put a litter pan and his food in here so
he doesn't go running down the stairs to his litter pan
in the laundry room. i have his food and water here as well.
supposed to try and keep him fairly inactive for the next few days. ha!
he's already leaping up on things!(altho gingerly)
me, i'm happy, bob, i think is happy, so...
i get this delivered to my mail every day. i think today's is one
that i'd like to share. s
This is the text version of DailyOMTo see it with graphics, click:http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2006/3009.html
April 14, 2006
Bearers Of WisdomThe ElderlyIn tribal cultures, the elderly play an important role. They are the keepers of the tribe's memories and the holders of wisdom. As such, the elderly are honored and respected members of tribes. In many modern cultures, however, this is often not the case. Many elderly people say that they feel ignored, left out, and disrespected. This is a sad commentary on modernization, but it doesn't have to be this way. We can change this situation by taking the time to examine our attitudes about the elderly and taking action. Modern societies tend to be obsessed with the ideas of newness, youth, and progress. Scientific studies tell us how to do everything - from the way we should raise our kids to what we need to eat for breakfast. As a result, the wisdom that is passed down from older generations is often disregarded. Of course, grandparents and retired persons have more than information to offer the world. Their maturity and experience allows for a larger perspective of life, and we can learn a lot from talking to elderly people. It's a shame that society doesn't do more to allow our older population to continue to feel productive for the rest of their lives, but you can help to make change. Perhaps you could help facilitate a mentorship program that would allow children to be tutored by the elderly in retirement homes. The elderly make wonderful storytellers, and creating programs where they could share their real life experiences with others is another way to educate and inspire other genera!tions. Take stock of your relationships with the elderly population. Maybe you don't really listen to them because you hold the belief that their time has passed and they are too old to understand what you are going through. You may even realize that you don't have any relationships with older people. Try to understand why and how our cultural perception of the elderly influences you.
that i'd like to share. s
This is the text version of DailyOMTo see it with graphics, click:http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2006/3009.html
April 14, 2006
Bearers Of WisdomThe ElderlyIn tribal cultures, the elderly play an important role. They are the keepers of the tribe's memories and the holders of wisdom. As such, the elderly are honored and respected members of tribes. In many modern cultures, however, this is often not the case. Many elderly people say that they feel ignored, left out, and disrespected. This is a sad commentary on modernization, but it doesn't have to be this way. We can change this situation by taking the time to examine our attitudes about the elderly and taking action. Modern societies tend to be obsessed with the ideas of newness, youth, and progress. Scientific studies tell us how to do everything - from the way we should raise our kids to what we need to eat for breakfast. As a result, the wisdom that is passed down from older generations is often disregarded. Of course, grandparents and retired persons have more than information to offer the world. Their maturity and experience allows for a larger perspective of life, and we can learn a lot from talking to elderly people. It's a shame that society doesn't do more to allow our older population to continue to feel productive for the rest of their lives, but you can help to make change. Perhaps you could help facilitate a mentorship program that would allow children to be tutored by the elderly in retirement homes. The elderly make wonderful storytellers, and creating programs where they could share their real life experiences with others is another way to educate and inspire other genera!tions. Take stock of your relationships with the elderly population. Maybe you don't really listen to them because you hold the belief that their time has passed and they are too old to understand what you are going through. You may even realize that you don't have any relationships with older people. Try to understand why and how our cultural perception of the elderly influences you.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
just got back from the vet's.
today was THE big day. my little
kitten is being neutered. he'll be
back tomorrow and i will admit
i am a nervous wreck!
i've had dozens of pets over the years
everything from a salamander and
2 retired racing pigeons to
retired bunnies from a magician's act
that had grown too large
anyone old enough
to remember"tricky harry albacker"?
i've had dogs and cats and a parakeet
2 zebra finches, 2 lovebirds (who were anything BUT lovey!)
i've had fish and toads and even a black snake when i was 4
(my dad's idea, my mom put a quick end to THAT!)
anyway, you'd think i'd be used to things and vets and such
but, no, i'm still on pins and needles! s
today was THE big day. my little
kitten is being neutered. he'll be
back tomorrow and i will admit
i am a nervous wreck!
i've had dozens of pets over the years
everything from a salamander and
2 retired racing pigeons to
retired bunnies from a magician's act
that had grown too large
anyone old enough
to remember"tricky harry albacker"?
i've had dogs and cats and a parakeet
2 zebra finches, 2 lovebirds (who were anything BUT lovey!)
i've had fish and toads and even a black snake when i was 4
(my dad's idea, my mom put a quick end to THAT!)
anyway, you'd think i'd be used to things and vets and such
but, no, i'm still on pins and needles! s
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
hey there, just want to share a smile i got
from a pgh talker and a cool guy that i've enjoyed
watching/listening and reading for quite awhile now.
he was off the air for some time and i missed his
smart and slightly bratty attitude. he tells it true.
he's the former host of pcnc's "night talk"
and now he's on kdka radio and has a blog up and running.
i rarely write fan letters. god, i never even wrote
any to the beatles or the stones, back in the day and i
was really young then and adored them. so
i was surprised to find myself writing letters to pcnc
trying to keep him on as host and then writing kdka recently to
say "bravo" for his being hired there.
i'm picky about the shows i watch or listen to and i missed
his style and i even missed bill green! (yes, i did!)
so yesterday i responded to john's blog and to my delight
(and odd sense of humor) he mentioned me in his daily blog posting
today!
yep, that's me, the" perversive hippy(poet) chick"
so "god bless you johnny mac!" "go get 'em!"
http://macyapper.com
from a pgh talker and a cool guy that i've enjoyed
watching/listening and reading for quite awhile now.
he was off the air for some time and i missed his
smart and slightly bratty attitude. he tells it true.
he's the former host of pcnc's "night talk"
and now he's on kdka radio and has a blog up and running.
i rarely write fan letters. god, i never even wrote
any to the beatles or the stones, back in the day and i
was really young then and adored them. so
i was surprised to find myself writing letters to pcnc
trying to keep him on as host and then writing kdka recently to
say "bravo" for his being hired there.
i'm picky about the shows i watch or listen to and i missed
his style and i even missed bill green! (yes, i did!)
so yesterday i responded to john's blog and to my delight
(and odd sense of humor) he mentioned me in his daily blog posting
today!
yep, that's me, the" perversive hippy(poet) chick"
so "god bless you johnny mac!" "go get 'em!"
http://macyapper.com
this was posted on my friend and fellow PK'r chris george's
blog http://christophertgeorge.blogspot.com
i've been lucky to have some of chris's things here on my blog.
he's a many talented man and if anyone is in the area, go see this.
you'll enjoy yourself, i know. s
U.S.A. PremiereJack - The Musical
Lyrics and Book by Christopher T. George and Erik Sitbon
Music by Erik Sitbon
Musical Direction by Lauren Konen Stage Direction by Elizabeth Peterson-Vita
Four Fully Staged and Costumed Musical Performances
May 13, 2006 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
May 14, 2006 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Duke Power Theatre Spirit Square Charlotte, NC
Jack - The Musical tells the story of one possible conclusion to the mystery of this most famous of unsolved cases.
More an opera than a musical, Jack - The Musical features the haunting music of Erik Sitbon and the evocative lyrics of Christopher T. George.
This program contains adult themes. Tickets now available
blog http://christophertgeorge.blogspot.com
i've been lucky to have some of chris's things here on my blog.
he's a many talented man and if anyone is in the area, go see this.
you'll enjoy yourself, i know. s
U.S.A. PremiereJack - The Musical
Lyrics and Book by Christopher T. George and Erik Sitbon
Music by Erik Sitbon
Musical Direction by Lauren Konen Stage Direction by Elizabeth Peterson-Vita
Four Fully Staged and Costumed Musical Performances
May 13, 2006 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
May 14, 2006 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM
Duke Power Theatre Spirit Square Charlotte, NC
Jack - The Musical tells the story of one possible conclusion to the mystery of this most famous of unsolved cases.
More an opera than a musical, Jack - The Musical features the haunting music of Erik Sitbon and the evocative lyrics of Christopher T. George.
This program contains adult themes. Tickets now available
i like this. i've found it to be true most times. ; ) s
Perhaps no person can be a poet, or can even enjoy poetry, without a certain unsoundness of mind.
Thomas B. Macaulay (1800-1859) English politician, essayist and poet.
Perhaps no person can be a poet, or can even enjoy poetry, without a certain unsoundness of mind.
Thomas B. Macaulay (1800-1859) English politician, essayist and poet.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
when blind might be kinder
it's easier not to see.
when eyes are closed
the creek that runs yellow
bubbles soft and clear
the sulfur from the long gone mine
is blue and bright with eyes shut tight,
blind can be kinder.
the jumble of jagger bushes and matted weeds
that choke the hillside and threaten the unused tracks
where coal cars rumbled paychecks through the night
smell green and sweet when blind is kind.
and memories are better
with eyes shut tight.
it's easier not to see.
when eyes are closed
the creek that runs yellow
bubbles soft and clear
the sulfur from the long gone mine
is blue and bright with eyes shut tight,
blind can be kinder.
the jumble of jagger bushes and matted weeds
that choke the hillside and threaten the unused tracks
where coal cars rumbled paychecks through the night
smell green and sweet when blind is kind.
and memories are better
with eyes shut tight.
Monday, April 10, 2006
i think i've hit the jackpot as far as blogthings go!!!!
it can't get much better than this!
and even tho i'm giggling a little, i'm posting it anyway
because it's my blog and i can believe this quiz answer if i want to.
yes, i will take compliments from anyone, anywhere,
even a blog thing. (yeah, i KNOW... )
You Are a Rainbow
Breathtaking and rareYou are totally enchanting and intriguing But you usually don't stick around long!You are best known for: your beautyYour dominant state: seducing
it can't get much better than this!
and even tho i'm giggling a little, i'm posting it anyway
because it's my blog and i can believe this quiz answer if i want to.
yes, i will take compliments from anyone, anywhere,
even a blog thing. (yeah, i KNOW... )
You Are a Rainbow
Breathtaking and rareYou are totally enchanting and intriguing But you usually don't stick around long!You are best known for: your beautyYour dominant state: seducing
Sunday, April 09, 2006
a little explanation on this next poem. yes, it has THAT word.
as i wrote to my workgroup, i tried subbing a different term, but it
then lacked the primal/primary tone i was aiming for to go along with the iambic.
i felt the use of the most common term for sex in a poem using the most
commonly thought of form in poetry, iambic pentameter;
duh DUH duh DUH duh DUH duh DUH duh DUH.
everyone learned that in school, coupled with the most common
thoughts on a first date
here it is...
first date in
iambic pentameter
HE
fuck-ME fuck-ME fuck-ME-fuck-ME-fuck-ME
SHE
love-ME-love-ME-love-ME-love-ME-love-ME.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
got this over at BLUE GAL this morning.
mine are blue! s
http://www.blogthings.com/whatcolorisyourluckyunderwearquiz
mine are blue! s
http://www.blogthings.com/whatcolorisyourluckyunderwearquiz
Friday, April 07, 2006
Thursday, April 06, 2006
the quote below is from a man that i think
was so much wiser than he seemed at first watching or first
reading. i think because he talked of love and kindness
of the need of people to hug and smile at one another, the
terrible importance of human contact that he was easily
dismissed as a lightweight, a sort of touchy-feely
new age guru. he wasn't that at all. he was just a man that understood
that people need contact with each other, they need love and
nurturing and a sense of self worth, of their own place in our world
and their importance in someone's life.
if you get a chance, find one of his books. i think we could be the better for him. s
this is my 600th post, my goodness!!!!
was so much wiser than he seemed at first watching or first
reading. i think because he talked of love and kindness
of the need of people to hug and smile at one another, the
terrible importance of human contact that he was easily
dismissed as a lightweight, a sort of touchy-feely
new age guru. he wasn't that at all. he was just a man that understood
that people need contact with each other, they need love and
nurturing and a sense of self worth, of their own place in our world
and their importance in someone's life.
if you get a chance, find one of his books. i think we could be the better for him. s
this is my 600th post, my goodness!!!!
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
got this, figured i'd answer, if anyone else wants to try, go for it! ; )
be brave!
Here are a few things about me...
1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:00am
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? lake placid (betty white just killed me!!!)
4. What is your favorite TV show? countdown
5. What did you have for breakfast? coffee and a bran muffin
6. What is your middle name? ann
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Italian
8. What foods do you dislike ? fish
9. What is your favorite Potato chip? kettle cooked/black pepper
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? aerosmith/big ones
11. What kind of car do you drive? 97 cavalier z 24
12. Favorite sandwich? peanut butter and jelly
13. What characteristics do you despise? casual cruelty
14. Favorite item of clothing? turtlenecks
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? cornwall in england
16. What color is your bathroom? pastels/green/white/lavender
17. Favorite brand of clothing? victoria's secret, jeans/sweaters...!
18. Where would you want to retire to? here
20. Where were you born? Pittsburgh, Pa
21. What is your favorite sport to watch? boxing
22. Who do you least expect to answer this? no clue!
23. Person you would expect to send it back first? Linda
24.What is favorite detergent? Tide
25. Coke or Pepsi? diet Pepsi
26. Are you a morning person or night owl? morning
27. What size shoe do you wear? 7 1/2
28. Do you have pets ? kitten
29. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? no
31. Favorite candy bar? anything chocolate. why limit myself??!!
32. What is your best childhood memory? my grandfather telling me my first efforts at bread baking tasted fine! ( he fibbed!)
33. What are the different jobs you have had? babysitting/shampoo girl/proofreader/mom/poet
34. What color underwear are wearing? red
.
35 Nicknames:? sher
36. Piercing? ear
37. eye color? dark brown
38. favorite ice cream ? ben and jerry's phish food
39. which store would you love to max out your credit card? ethan allen!!!!
40. dream job? a book published poet!
41. ocean or river? river, never saw the ocean
42. tattoos, how many? one
be brave!
Here are a few things about me...
1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:00am
2. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? lake placid (betty white just killed me!!!)
4. What is your favorite TV show? countdown
5. What did you have for breakfast? coffee and a bran muffin
6. What is your middle name? ann
7. What is your favorite cuisine? Italian
8. What foods do you dislike ? fish
9. What is your favorite Potato chip? kettle cooked/black pepper
10. What is your favorite CD at the moment? aerosmith/big ones
11. What kind of car do you drive? 97 cavalier z 24
12. Favorite sandwich? peanut butter and jelly
13. What characteristics do you despise? casual cruelty
14. Favorite item of clothing? turtlenecks
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? cornwall in england
16. What color is your bathroom? pastels/green/white/lavender
17. Favorite brand of clothing? victoria's secret, jeans/sweaters...!
18. Where would you want to retire to? here
20. Where were you born? Pittsburgh, Pa
21. What is your favorite sport to watch? boxing
22. Who do you least expect to answer this? no clue!
23. Person you would expect to send it back first? Linda
24.What is favorite detergent? Tide
25. Coke or Pepsi? diet Pepsi
26. Are you a morning person or night owl? morning
27. What size shoe do you wear? 7 1/2
28. Do you have pets ? kitten
29. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? no
31. Favorite candy bar? anything chocolate. why limit myself??!!
32. What is your best childhood memory? my grandfather telling me my first efforts at bread baking tasted fine! ( he fibbed!)
33. What are the different jobs you have had? babysitting/shampoo girl/proofreader/mom/poet
34. What color underwear are wearing? red
.
35 Nicknames:? sher
36. Piercing? ear
37. eye color? dark brown
38. favorite ice cream ? ben and jerry's phish food
39. which store would you love to max out your credit card? ethan allen!!!!
40. dream job? a book published poet!
41. ocean or river? river, never saw the ocean
42. tattoos, how many? one
Monday, April 03, 2006
Sunday, April 02, 2006
thought i'd write a bit about the polka dance last night.
it started at 7 so that the people could make an early night of it.
most of them are older and they like to get home by 11 at the most.
it made me smile to see couples in their 70's through their 90's,
yes, 90's, dancing. they were slow, but i could see that they had been dancing together for years. dressed in their best, i could envision how they were, 40, 50 years ago.
what touched me even more were the older couples that were out on dates.
sweet to see them courting, so attentive to each other and learning to dance
together.
there were also younger people there, family members together,
passing on their love of the dance to children and grandkids, some only 4 or 5.
i left to go home earlier than most of the dancers. still tired out and feeling my age from being sick this week. maybe polkas keep you young! s
it started at 7 so that the people could make an early night of it.
most of them are older and they like to get home by 11 at the most.
it made me smile to see couples in their 70's through their 90's,
yes, 90's, dancing. they were slow, but i could see that they had been dancing together for years. dressed in their best, i could envision how they were, 40, 50 years ago.
what touched me even more were the older couples that were out on dates.
sweet to see them courting, so attentive to each other and learning to dance
together.
there were also younger people there, family members together,
passing on their love of the dance to children and grandkids, some only 4 or 5.
i left to go home earlier than most of the dancers. still tired out and feeling my age from being sick this week. maybe polkas keep you young! s
Saturday, April 01, 2006
oh, i was going to write this earlier in the week
but those ole creep'n miseries laid me low.
hi philip, some flowers for you.
get better soon my friend! s
http://www.nacc.org.uk
april 1st. april fool's. i think the fool
is me.
still tired. submitted a small poem to
my workgroup for c&c. isn't much but,
if it isn't too bad, i'll post it after a bit.
in the meantime, another blogthing!
YOUR LOVE LIFE SECRETS ARE
thought that would get your attention ; )
looking back on your life,
you will have a few true loves. (true loves? yes, spot on with this one. s)
you are a little scarred from your past
relationships, but
who isn't? ( psychos maybe???? s)
you prefer a quirky, unique person to be your lover. ( yes )
you are easy going about who you are with as long as they love you back.
(well, geezzzzz, i hope so! )
in fights you are able to walk away and calm down.
you are able to weather the storm. ( or just wait )
getting over a breakup doesn't take long
easy come, easy go...(no that's about the only thing they got wrong ! )
going to listen to a polka band . i have always
wanted to be able to polka. can't have everything. so
i'll go and help out if they need me to and i'll
watch the dancers. it's a nice thing they are doing
at the small club i belong to. the older people still love
to polka to a live band and we haven't had a polka band
there for a few years now. i know the folks will enjoy it. s
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